Ace cinematographer Aloysius Vincent, popularly known as A Vincent, who is known for his work in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi films, passed away on Wednesday, 25 February.
Vincent had been suffering from some age-related illness for quite some time. He reportedly breathed his last at his residence in Chennai this morning. The 86-year-old cinematographer-turned-director is survived by wife Margret, children Jayanan and Ajayan Vincent.
Born in Calicut, Kerala on 14 June 1928, Vincent started his career as cinematographer with Telugu movie "Chandi Rani" in 1953. Later, he handled camera work for many Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi movies. He debuted as director with Malayalam film "Bhargavi Nilayam" in 1964.
In his career spanning four and half decades, Vincent has handled cinematography for over 80 movies and directed over 30 films in Malayalam and Tamil. He had worked with most of the lead actors like Krishna, Late NTR, Murali Mohan, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Rajasekhar, Mohanlal and Mammooty.
"Prem Nagar", "Alludugaru", "Allari Priyudu", "Major Chandrakanth", "Bobbili Simham", "Annamayya", "Adaviramudu", "Kadhalikka Neramillai" and "Thulabharam" are some of the movies that boast of his wonderful work. His movies "Vayanadan Thampan" starring Kamal Haasan and Krishna and "Parunthu" starring Mohanlal are considered iconic movies.
Vincent also won the Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award for "Prem Nagar" (1974). In 2003, Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) awarded him an Honorary Membership, along with KK Mahajan and VK Murthy. His sudden death has shocked many leading actors down south.
Superstar Mammootty, directors K Raghavendra Rao and Harish Shankar and many others took to their Facebook and Twitter pages to condole his death.
Mammootty: "Heartfelt condolence to the legend Vincent Master. Remembering Kochu Themmadi days."
Raghavendra Rao K: "RIP A. Vincent garu. We both have worked for many movies. Very sad to hear about his demise. Extremely talented and good at heart.."
Harish Shankar: "My heartfelt condolences to Jayanan Vincent Sir ... The Eye behind "Gabbarsingh " RIP Senior Vincent Gaaru .... Still can't forget his Magic of"Jagadeka Veerudu Athikoka sundari" and many more BlockBusters ; You are the pride of Telugu Cinema Sir .. We Miss You ..and thanks for giving Jayanan Vincent and Ajay Vincent"
